Washington: Senior Energy Security Advisor to Lebanon

The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday that Amos Hochstein, the United States' senior advisor for global energy security, will depart for Beirut. The State Department stated in a press release that Hochstein will discuss sustainable solutions for the energy crisis in Lebanon. The release noted that Hochstein will reaffirm the Biden administration's readiness to assist Lebanon and Israel in finding an acceptable solution for both parties regarding their maritime boundaries, for the benefit of both peoples. Lebanon has been experiencing an unprecedented economic collapse for nearly two years, crippling its ability to import essential goods, most notably fuel. The fuel shortages have affected various sectors, including electricity, hospitals, bakeries, telecommunications, and food supplies. Last September, the government of Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati was formed after a year of vacancy caused by severe political divisions that deepened the economic crisis.